Wild Secrets

24 - LAST HOUR

I didn't talk. I was paralyzed. I wanted to ask what happened but I don't have the guts to. I just want to be silent for a moment and think of the things we used to do. I began to cry and Dr. Gaile escorted me to bed so I can sit.

"He had a breakdown in the middle of his driving. The police knew that i'm one of his closest friend so they contacted me immediately, I know that something's wrong so I had to barge in his hotel and check his journal." Dr. Gaile explained. I can't stop from crying. "It's my fault." I said weakly. I stand up and get the journal from his table and gave it to her. She read a few notes in the journal. She even opened the last page of it and we both found messages. Dr. Gaile didn't let me read the last parts.

"I think we should go and see your father." She offered.

We went to Sacred Heart Hospital. I had to cover my face with a handkerchief so people won't stare at me. Dr. Gaile is right beside me as we go through hallways and in every minute, she checks up on me.

304.

We went in and I saw that dad's already covered with a white blanket. I didn't mind if it's illegal to them but I removed it immediately and witnessed his scarred, cold face. That is the most painful thing i've seen.

I was hurt because I didn't get the chance to say sorry to my dad. I wasn't able to tell him how much I love him. I even didn't get the chance to introduce him our mother. I was full of regrets and guilt. All I did was to be a bad kid. Suddenly, an old man came in and he's with some other young guys that looks more like an escort.

"Are you someone related to him? I'm Atty. Waters and unfortunately, he didn't leave any papers regarding the passing of will when he dies." The old man said. I wanted to shout at him because of what he said. I find it not important for the moment.

"There is." Dr. Gaile said unexpectedly and handed the old man my dad's journal. He read the last page aloud.

"Shantel, I will entrust you with all of my treasure from my hard work. Everything because I know you're wise. When I die, you'll be a great leader than me, i'm sure of it." And then followed by my dad's signature. The old man seemed to agree and then looks at me. "So this is Shantel?" Atty. said and returned his eyes to Dr. Gaile.

After a few conversation between Dr. Gaile and Atty. Waters, I also finished crying. I know my eyes are already dry but inside me, I feel that i'm still somewhat crying. I'm still heart broken by the accident. The doctors came in and they saw and were shocked. They immediately asked me to move away from the dead body. I moved away slowly.

After a few hurtful moments in the hospital, Dr. Gaile asked me to go with her to the nearest coffee shop.

"I think it's time for you to read this." Dr. Gaile said and lend me the notebook. I opened the last page, where she wanted me to read and then begin. I first read the will awhile ago.

"Shantel, I know i've been bad and miserable. I just want to tell you how sorry I am. I can't do it personally so I decided to write everything here. Each day, my guilts increases because of my actions. I reached my peak in my guilts so I've decided to write everything here. I'm really sorry that I didn't have time for you when you were a child. I missed how happy we were back when your mother is still with us. I became like this because this is your mother's businesses, i'm just one her assistants so I've decided to fulfill her wish back then, that her business will be on top always and will help a lot of people because she just can't. She's a doctor so she had to pass everything to me. I'm sorry for everything. It's my fault that you're not a gymnast today, that you didn't get the chance to grab your goal. I'm sorry I hired someone to injure you so you can't go to that tournament. I was scared that you'll be away from me because someone told me that a coach of gymnastics is willing to get you to be in the national team, which means you'll be away. I was also scared that no one will take care of our business. I'm sorry. If you'll never consider me as a dad anymore after you read this, it's okay. I accept it. I also want to say sorry for being mean to you. I kept pushing you. I made you fake and you became miserable as well because of me. Too bad you didn't get the chance to improve our investigations in your mother, I think it's about time that we give up. What if she's not really your mother? So i'm sorry I've wasted your time. You've always been a good daughter but I wasn't meant to be your dad. I love you with all my heart, always remember that. If you need a dad, i'll be. I'll change for you and Martha. I miss you. I just want to apologize before you go to Australia to make your own journey. You're big now."

I saw the date and it was actually written today. I felt a teardrop running down my cheek. I know I was supposed to be angry for what he did but I didn't feel that angry side of me. I finally understand why he loves his business so much, it's from our mom. "Thank you Dr. Gaile." I said and smiled for the first time once again.

Days passed and I'm still depressed in my suite. Dr. Gaile is the only one I let to visit me. My other friends did and even Mrs. Green but I didn't let them in. Paul is always in my suite and helped me as well. I also asked Paul to move my flight after the funeral, today. I'm all set because my flight happens one hour after the funeral. My luggages are already at the back of our car.

I chose the dress that dad bought for me for my birthday. It's black knee length dress with long sleeves. I decided to fix myself. After a few minutes, Paul and I went to the funeral. I stayed in the car when I saw that there's already people. I was scared. I saw Raphael, Carl, Kenz, Anya and Carol together. I even saw Mrs. Green with them and also Zac. I can't face them.